Absurd Ventures hiring Principal Animator

In the rapidly evolving world of AAA video game development, the standard of character performance, weight, and movement can make or break a player’s immersion. At Absurd Ventures, we are dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and building extraordinary, deeply engaging game worlds that captivate audiences.

Operating on an on-site basis out of our vibrant California studios in San Rafael or Santa Monica, our team thrives on artistic excellence, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a relentless passion for interactive storytelling. We are currently looking for a visionary, highly skilled Principal Animator to join our team on a full-time basis. If you possess a masterful understanding of movement, a track record of leadership in AAA development, and a desire to define the cinematic and gameplay motion of our next major titles, this on-site opportunity is your chance to make a definitive mark on the industry.

Job Summary : Principal Animator

Role Overview: Defining the Motion of Our Universes

As the Principal Animator at Absurd Ventures, you will serve as a foundational anchor for our entire animation department. Your work will directly shape how players interact with and perceive our game universes. You will be tasked with conceptualizing, driving, and executing fluid, lifelike, and emotionally resonant character and creature animations that breathe life into every corner of our worlds.

Working hand-in-hand with the Animation Director, you will help establish the aesthetic and technical benchmark for all motion assets. Whether you are fine-tuning responsive gameplay loops or elevating cinematic storytelling, your expertise will bridge the gap between technical constraints and artistic brilliance. Furthermore, you will act as a mentor and technical guide to fellow animators, ensuring our pipeline remains efficient, scalable, and cutting-edge.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the standard for all character, creature, and object animations.
• Collaborate with the Animation Director to define animation style and direction.
• Oversee the rigging process, ensuring rigs are optimized for smooth animation workflows.
• Work closely with gameplay and cinematics teams to integrate animations seamlessly.
• Provide mentorship and constructive feedback to other animators.
• Ensure animations meet performance and memory constraints across platforms.
• Stay current with industry trends, techniques, and emerging technologies in animation.

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in video game animation.
• Proficiency in Maya and other industry-standard animation tools.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, motion, and weight in animation.
• Experience with keyframe animation and motion capture techniques.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine 5 (UE5).
• Proven track record of leading animation teams and delivering high-quality content.
• Strong collaboration and cross-department communication skills.

Bonus / Preferred Skills

• Experience with creature animation and complex character rigs.
• Knowledge of physics-based animation systems.
• Previous work on AAA titles or games with a focus on realistic animation.
• Experience working with co-developers and outsource vendors.

Employment Details

• Type: Full-time, On-site
• Location: San Rafael, CA or Santa Monica, CA
• Salary: $140,000 – $175,000 per year (based on experience and location)
• Benefits: Paid time off, sick leave, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401(k), with potential bonus and equity eligibility.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented animator to lead, mentor, and shape high-quality animation in immersive AAA game worlds. If you’re passionate about character and creature animation, this is your chance to make a tangible impact on player experience.

Shape the Future of Interactive Entertainment

If you are an accomplished animator looking to lead, inspire, and craft unforgettable gameplay moments, Absurd Ventures offers an environment where your creative vision can thrive. Bring your talent, passion, and leadership to our California studios and help us build the next generation of immersive gaming experiences.